"just bought a mare this past weekend and she is about 75lbs under ..."

Hi Bill,

I just bought a mare this past weekend and she is about 75lbs under weight, is there anything special I should be feeding her to get her to gain that weight back?

Thanks Jennifer

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Jennifer:

If you have a good handle on your horse's weight you should be sure you are feeding enough total feed daily. For example if this horse weighs 1000 pounds, you should feed between 15 and 20 pounds of total feed each day. This would be both hay and grain. Depending on the quality of the hay you have available that will dictate the level of grain or supplement feeding needed. You may find that adding 10-20% more hay each day along with 2-4 pounds of a grain source may be quite adequate to see weigh gain during the next 45-60 days. The addition of a vegetable oil or flaxseed oil (1/4 to 1 cup) per day may be useful as well. There are many fat supplements which have greater calories in them which could be top dressed onto your feed as well. Many horse owners find using such high fat supplements the easiest way to add calories with the least amount of trouble.

Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

"I would like to know a good horse feed for a 25 year old horse who is coming out of the winter really thin...."

He's been losing weight but not to this extent. He is currently on Nutrena's Senior with alfalfa/grass hay. I am feeding the Nutrena to him daily as much as he wants. Also, would like to know of a good wormer and how many days to give it to him. Am hearing lots of things.

Thanks Donna

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Donna:

These older horses need even more care as you notice any drop in condition and weight. You may find that using Nutrena Feeds Safe Choice along with your alfalfa and grass would be a better choice than the Sr. Feed. Also, if you haven't had a recent veterinary check to evaluate teeth and parasites that too may be useful. You may need to add a high fat supplement such as Amplifiy (Purina) or Nu-Weight (Select the Best) to your horses diet. Using products like rice bran, beet pulp and soaked flaxseed may be another means of providing added calories with little sugar that may help. Essentially the Safe Choice product uses many of these high fat, high calorie and low sugar products. There are many ways to get greater caloric density to your horse, but start by making sure that the health care issues are understood and then modify the diet. It may take 45-90 days to see improvements in your horse provided optimum digestion of nutrients occurs.

Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

"I have a 4yo Dutch Warmblood gelding that has extremely watery stools...."

Hi Bill -

Our vet has confirmed that all blood levels are normal. We have tried changing his diet (ie: oat hay only, timothy hay only, alfalfa only) and nothing seems to help. His coat is a bit dull, and he is losing his topline. We are now going to treat him for ulcers, but would appreciate any thoughts you have.

I would also like to see if we could get you to come to our ranch to see a group of horses (mostly warmbloods). Would that be a possibility?

Thank,

Kathy

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Kathy:

There is some recent evidence that horses with ulcers may benefit from alfalfa in their diet. This along with veterinary medical treatment may aid this situation. If you have not tried to use one of the high fat, high fiber diets that are on the market today this may be an option. These diets do not have traditional energy sources in them (ie., corn, oats and barley) but include products like soy hulls are great soluble fiber source, rice bran, beet pulp and higher levels of added fat. They pack significant calories for a horse but are more highly digestible. The fact that they contain high levels of fiber allows horseowners to feed higher levels of the supplement and still have safety. There are several types of feeds available and depending on the area in which you live many are likely available. I would think that one of these types of supplements fed at levels somewhat higher than you might normally feed grain would be appropriate. The availability of alfalfa hay or a mixed hay also would be useful. I would be happy to discuss a ranch visit with you.

Best of luck and I look forward to visiting with you further.

Dr. Schurg

"what you're saying is that I need to find a high protein high fiber feed and that senior feed might be necesary? Now is senior feed a grain or hay,..."

Yes she had her teeth floated in October of 07. She hasn't received any worming since October but I am planning on doing that as soon as possible. She had some hoof isues and was at the vet in January so she is fine as far as we know. So basically what you're saying is that I need to find a high protein high fiber feed and that senior feed might be necesary? Now is senior feed a grain or hay, I appologize for my ignorance. She is about 1000 pounds but should be about 1100...I think part of the issue is that she is worked at least twice a week for up to 3 hours each time.

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Rebekah:

The senior feed or a feed with high fiber, high fat and protein are all concentrates. These feeds are supplemented to your horse in addition to the hay or forage she is receiving. These products will have higher levels of calories that are more digestible and therefore will aid the horse that needs to gain additional weight. As the work load has increased this horse needs more total highly digestible feed. A typical horse that weighs about 1100 pounds needs about 16.4 Mcals of digestible energy each day and when the work load increases this energy value will need to increase to as much as 32 Mcals during intense work. Your horse should likely be fed at least 16 pounds of good quality hay each day and from 4-8 pounds of the concentrate. Of course the amounts are dependent on the obvious condition of the horse but using high fat, high fiber feeds will allow you to feed at higher levels daily of the concentrate as those feeds generally are based on ingredients that are low in starch content but high in calories.

Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

"My hopes are that it will take that extra edge off my horses' nerves. ..."

HI Bill,

I have a horse show this Friday, Sat and Sun and need your advice.

My 4 year old TB is starting out in the hunters and has already shown locally and on the A circuit. I was recommended to supplement him with a product called "Ex-stress" during the show. I just got this product delivered today. My hopes are that it will take that extra edge off my horses nerves. He can be excitable, and playful and sometimes unpredictable and he is young. It doesn't help that these show have no turnout, of course, and I'm not one to lunge the horse to death.

My question is: how much do I feed? All it says is "Feed 1 serving twice per day with feed." Since I only need it for showing can I double the dosage AM and PM and not use it again till the next show? Or is this something I need to feed a week prior and during the show? I definitely don't need it at home on a daily basis, unless that is how this supplement is supposed to work.

What do you think?

Thank you for your timely response,

Tania

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Tania:

I am not familiar with this product, but I would encourage you to read the label again more carefully. It should somewhere describe the serving size. It is not recommended at any time to over feed something. You should feed it specifically as it is described. You might also google this and see if there is any further information regarding this product. Many times they will also have a phone number that you can call to get specific questions answer about the product and use. I would not expect that this or any product to be significantly effective in a day of usage. There may be other ways to improve behavior as well but all take slow acclimation over several days.

Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

" How much, how often & what kind should we feed. ..."

My vet has recomended feeding our pregrant mares brand mash, starting about 4 to 6 weeks before due date. How much, how often & what kind should we feed?

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Ronald:

I tend to use a wet bran mash (wheat bran) just after my mares foal. Many horses do not consume a dry bran mash very well, but adding a 1 pound coffee can of bran mash mixed with water would not be a problem for your horses. If consumption is a problem you can add a little grain, vegetable oil, or molasses which may make the wet bran mash more palatable. Bran when moistened is an excellent hydration method for your horses. When mares foal it helps rehydrate them and gives them an opportunity to readjust to their regular feeding schedule.

Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

" Is alfalfa the right choice?..."

Hey,

I had a question. I have a 12 year old mare that is belly heavy but her ribs are still visible and her back is sinking. Is there any feed suggestions for this? Right now she is only recieving hay. Is alfalfa the right choice?

Bill Schurg's Answer:

Rebekah:

First, I would ask have you had your mare's teeth checked and made sure she is free of internal parasites? It may be that she has a few health related issues that should be addressed by your veterinarian. A good quality hay including alfalfa, mix or grass can be used, however you might find that feeding a concentrate supplement like a Senior Feed or one of the high fiber high fat feeds to be useful. If your horse weighs about 1000 pounds she would need around 20 pounds of good quality feed daily. Using 14-16 pounds of hay and 2-4 pounds of a senior feed may help improve your mare's condition.

Best of luck,

Dr Schurg

"What is the difference between Energy and Protein? Can too much protein cause a founder or laminates case?..."

Bill Schurg's Answer:

KW:

Energy is a term which describes the amount of calories an animal needs or takes in each day. Energy comes primarily from carbohydrates in the form of non-structural carbohydrates (grains) or structural carbohydrates (hays or pasture). These sources make up most of the energy used by horses. However, energy can also come from fats or oils and these are 2.25 times the energy value of typical carbohydrates or protein. Protein when in excess above the requirements of the horse can be turned into some energy but most is voided from the horse through urinary excretion. Protein alone probably is not likely to create founder or laminitis but if one is feeding high levels of protein contained in concentrates which are also high is grains this could be associated with the problem. Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

"what exactly is "crude" Protein? ..."

Dear Bill,

Thank you so much, that rely helps!!! I just have one more Question, what exactly is "crude" Protein? Thank you so much, I'm now hooked on reading all the questions that you reply to, I find it very use full. Thank You So Much!!!

KW

C-2 of

Sandia Creek Ranch Pony Club Riding Center

Bill Schurg's Answer:

KW:

Thanks for your kind words. Crude protein is the term which describes all the nitrogenous materials that are in a particular feed. It is measured by determining the nitrogen content of the feed and then multiplying it by 6.25. So if something was 2% nitrogen it would have a crude protein content estimated as 12.5%. When you look at a feed tag and see CP or crude protein that is 12.5% or someone says the hay has 10% crude protein that is what is being described. One needs to understand that the crude protein does not mean that all the protein is available to the horse. Only what is actually digested and absorbed by the horse is what is going to be used. Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg

"How much Protein does a horse need and what happens if they get to much" ..."

Dear, Bill.

I recently discovered your web page. I enjoy reading it and find it very use full!!! Right now I'm in the middle of a pony club research project " researching How much Protein does a horse need and what happens if they get to much" I was wondering if you knew what would happen if a horse gets to much protein? Any thing about protein would rely help

if it's already on your web site just tell me to keep reading because I probably haven't gotten to that part yet... Thank you so so so much I absolutely love the information that is on your web site.

KW C-2 of

Sandia Creek Ranch Pony Club Riding Center

Bill Schurg's Answer:

KW:

All horses need protein in their diet. Adult none working horses only need about 8% crude protein in their diet or about 1.5 pounds of protein quantity. The horse requires 10 essential amino acids in their diet and these must come from what is in the feed provided. Young growing horses have the highest % protein requirements early in their life and it gradually goes down toward the 8% crude protein level as they reach adults. Depending on the class of horse and their physiologically state protein quality and quantity will be higher than that needed at maintenance. Generally, once the need for protein is met the fate of additional protein is that a high amount is excreted in the urine. There is some protein above needs that can be metabolized to provide some energy but this is a costly way to provide energy. With the cost of protein being quite high it doesn't make sense for horse owners to over supplement a horse with protein above the requirements. However, again depending on physiological and environmental situations some extra protein quality and quantity will be justified.

I generally am not concerned with excessive protein intake as long as plenty of clean fresh water is available and the horse has no urinary or kidney problems which might require dietary limitations of available protein. Best of luck.

Dr. Schurg